Topic Archive: Electrical Applications

  • May. '07
    Copper-based Solar Cells:
    Good for the Environment, Good for the Consumer

    Copper has long been used in solar heating/hot water systems, where it is commonly used in heat exchangers. Now, it promises to become equally valuable in photovoltaic (PV) systems. These systems produce electricity through the action of sunshine on certain semiconductors, including so-called thin-film materials and the currently most promising material: copper indium gallium diselenide or CIGS.
  • Sep. '06
    High Copper Alloys - High Strength Coppers for Demanding Electrical Applications
    For many electrical applications, the demands of electrical technology require copper to have higher mechanical properties and to be capable of use at elevated operating temperatures while still retaining the good conductivity for which it is selected in the first place. The copper industry has invested much research effort over the years to create materials capable of meeting these demanding needs. The products of this research are found in the large variety of high copper alloys, materials whose properties are equal to or, in some cases, higher than those of many other engineering metals, yet, which have conductivities high enough for electrical applications.
  • Jul. '06
    Copper Makes Beer Better: Control of Hydrogen Sulfide in Beer with a Copper Electrolysis System
    Hydrogen Sulfide (H 2S), a volatile sulfur compound, is a normal byproduct of the fermenting process. But, research has shown that people are very sensitive to the odor of H 2S and can detect this odor as an off-flavor at very low concentrations. Researchers have found that the most effective means to control H 2S is by using copper which removes the H 2S as copper sulfide (CuS) which can then be removed from the final product.
  • Feb. '03
    Florida Credit Union Data Center Shrugs Off Direct Lightning Hit
    When a Florida bank's electronic data center took a direct lightning hit to its primiary power line, solid copper grounding system and in-depth surge protection kept the system on-line.
  • Jan. '03
    Weyerhaeuser Policy Calls for Premium-Efficiency Motors and Transformers
    Company-wide energy policy yields rapid payback, lower life-cycle cost, better reliability, and reduced environmental impact.
  • Jan. '02
    The New Economy
    The transition from an industrial to an information-based economy could increase our reliance on copper.
  • Sep. '01
    Die-Cast Copper Motor Rotors Heading for Success
    A look a the on-going research designed to take advantage of copper's high conductivity in such a way as to enable the creation of ultrahigh-efficiency electric motors being conducted by an industry-government consortium of which the Copper Development Association (CDA) is a member.
  • Aug. '01
    Introduction to Copper: Applications
    This article is intended as an introduction to copper, describing the many ways in which the metal is so useful. The article also touches on copper's invaluable contribution to the health of plants, animals and mankind.
  • Jun. '00
    Electric Motors with High Temperature Cuprate Superconductors in the Rotor
    Recent developments in the incorporation of bulk high-temperature superconductors (HTS) into electric motors to improve performance and increase overall power density.
  • Sep. '99
    Transformer Innovations
    Although they have no moving parts, transformers stand outside for an average of 40 years and thus experience considerable stress. Look at a series of recent innovations in the way copper is fabricated that have greatly improved transformer design, manufacturing processes and performance.
  • Sep. '99
    Transformers Can Contribute to Global Warming Goals
    Increased attention is being focused on the savings energy-efficient transformers could make on a national scale in the US and Europe and their potential contribution to meeting internationally agreed goals for reducing global warming.
  • Jul. '99
    The Copper Motor Rotor: New Technology for High Efficiency Motors
    A look a the on-going research designed to take advantage of copper's high conductivity in such a way as to enable the creation of ultrahigh-efficiency electric motors being conducted by an industry-government consortium of which the Copper Development Association (CDA) is a member.
  • Mar. '99
    Power Quality and Your Computer
    Power requirements of "sensitive electronic equipment" and how copper wiring can help ensure consistent electric power quality.
  • Feb. '99
    Copper Busbar Sizing Guide
    PC based system for determining optimum sizing in a busbar system based on "life-cycle" cost considerations. Can be used alone or in conjunction with the Copper Development Association's Busbar handbook.
  • Nov. '98
    Copper Motor Rotor Research Update
    A look at a cooperative program designed to identify high temperature, thermal shock resistant materials, and then to design, fabricate and demonstrate molds designed to withstand the copper motor rotor die casting environment for an economically acceptable life, i.e., thousands of casting cycles.
  • Oct. '98
    Newly Mined Copper: Why Do We Need It?
    Examination of why it is not feasible to meet all US copper needs through re-use of scrap copper.
  • Feb. '98
    Copper Motor Rotors: Application of High Temperature Mold Materials to Die Cast the Copper Motor
    A look at die cast copper rotors and how they can provide advantages to motor manufacture or performance.